Emergency Communications 
Dispatchers 

Dispatchers are everyday people who do extraordinary work to ensure every citizen in Shannon County has a voice on the other end of the  phone. When a person is experiencing the worst day of their life, there is a friendly, helpful voice on the other end of the line, willing and trained to offer assistance. Every Dispatcher has undergone and extensive education program to prepare them for your emergency. You will know you are in good hands when you call 911.

Dispatchers want to help. In the emergency communications world, they help by collecting NEEDED information and transmitting it to people who can help out in the county. I.E. Patrol Deputies, or Fire Fighters or Emergency Medical Services.  Our first questions will be your name, address, phone number and then what the situation is. 

Non-Emergency # (573) 226-3117 Extension #8. This number is monitored Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM, and then rolls over to dispatchers.

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Non-Emergency is exactly what it sounds like. If you have non-emergent information we want to hear it. Please call and ensure we get all the information you need to provide. 

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For Emergencies you are always welcome to call 911. Or (573) 226-3615 will also ring into the Dispatch Center. If you believe there is a emergency, please call and we will prioritize 911 calls. 

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Examples of Emergencies include but are not limited to:

• Risks to the safety of live human beings.

• Risks to the life a human or deaths.

• Serious risks to property such as fire, explosions, toxic material. 

• Active crimes involving violence or weapons. 

• Situations where a person is potentially at risk. 

• Traffic collisions with injuries or fatalities.

• Intruders.

• Situations that may become dangerous.

• Reporting felonies. 

This is not a all inclusive list. It is simply a short reference guide to what is considered a emergency. Please always feel free to call anytime you feel there is a danger, a crime being committed or people are at risk.​

Calling 911 is not a magic pill, we can not tell you how to resolve issues in your lives, but we do offer a variety of resources. Including substance abuse counseling, domestic violence victim advocates, directions to the nearest homeless shelters, self harm councilors and more. Please call us at (573)226-3615. 

Being a director of a 911 dispatch call center is a big job indeed.  Our director not only participates and is trained as a full time dispatcher, but they fill the important administrative roles too. The Director ensures we stay in compliance with all rules and regulations. As well as, making sure we stay up to date with all current trends in the communications world, so that they can provide the best services possible. 

We know you have important information for us. But here is a few quick tips to make this flow easier. 

• Dispatchers want your ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER 1ST.

• While your call is active, it is common that multiple dispatchers are listening, so they can do multiple tasks. One may be talking to you, another may be typing in the information you give, another may be dispatching emergency services. 

• Be direct and clear with your information. We understand your situation may be traumatic. We sympathize. But for us to help you, you may need to slow down, take a breath and talk clearly. We have to be able to understand you. 

• If you don't know where you are, find landmarks, addresses are often on documents, or the front of buildings. Even the name of a commercial building can help.

• If you are in danger, you can give verbal consent to "Ping" your phone. Then we can use your phone's GPS to try to find you. 

• We understand there may be a detailed back story, but save them for the responders. They need details. We will ask for specific details we need. 

• If there are weapons or safety hazards, let us know.